Monday, June 23, 2014

fun gift wrapping ideas that will make them say WTF {"who's this from?"}

A friend of mine bullied me asked if I'd teach a gift wrapping class for the lady folk at church. Of course I responded with hemming and hawing, and when that didn't work, the gnashing of teeth. It's not that I don't LOVE talking about packaging (hello), but because I have serious issues with talking in FRONT of people. Inevitably I get way too enthusiastic (cue TV performance), go blank, or make an suggestive comment before my unreliable filter can catch it. Not to mention sweat straight through my shirt before it's over.

It's just as lovely as it sounds.

But, as per usual, the guilt of saying no was too much to bear and the madness began.

The lowest quality phone photo possible as we tried to make everything fit on the table. I PACK HEAVY.

The awesome thing about this group of women was that most of them are self proclaimed non-crafters. Good. I love a challenge. Before each class started the excuses would trickle in:

"I'm just not talented in that way."

"It's easier to just go to the store and buy a bag."

"I don't have anything in my house that I can use, and I don't wanna drag my kids to the craft store."

Here's the thing: I don't buy it. You don't have to have any extra money, mad skillz, or a toddler meltdown on aisle 12 to have a WTF {who's this from?} gift. You just need the seed planted that it's okay to look outside your comfort zone, and embrace the rock star that you already are. A few ideas to get you on your way can't hurt either.

After it was over, a follow-up handout was promised as a reminder for when they "went blank", and here we are TWO MONTHS LATER and I'm making good on my word.

Easy Packaging Ideas for the Wrapping Impaired

#1. The recycling bin is your friend.

Don't have any wrapping paper? Paper bags and magazine pages taped together work just as well.

Paper Source bag; a catalog cover with a few rhinestones glued onto the bow because I had to

There wasn't anyone "non-crafty" enough that they couldn't successfully bust out a lusciously scrunched and perfectly wrinkled FREE topper. All that's needed is pile of square-ish scraps cut from magazines (I used 8), a stapler, and about a minute of your time. Ready?

You know what also works splendidly? Old calendar pages.

(side note: while looking for other examples using calendars, I stumbled upon this, which is the hands down winner for Most Seductive Gift Wrap Ever)

#2: Scraps of fabric can take the place of ribbon And if you rip the material, it's not only straight, but also creates these rustic fraying edges which adds to the charm. The tag is a random letter sticker on a piece of black construction paper, hot glued on a frozen apple juice concentrate lid.

A dollar store headband stretches snugly over a box, and becomes part of the gift too. Have an old phone book laying around? You've got everything you need for a "paper pom" topper (same technique as this newspaper one, just smaller).

#3: The Dollar Spot ALWAYS has character stuff to plop on top Oh Target. My dearest frenemy. They always have some sort of markers/pencils/notebooks that are the ideal size to dress up a package. The same idea can be used both for girls,

OR for boys.

#4: Stacking boxes and mixing patterns adds flavor

"But I don't have two kinds of paper."

Yes, you do.

That red and white chevron? Christmas paper bought at the Dollar Spot on clearance for 30 cents. Who says it can only come out to play in December?

I also use red and pink together - NO RULES.

Do you have a solid paper that is kinda dull by himself? Let him hitch a ride on top and suddenly he's not such a drag.

Another fun gift wrapping post. I always love to see what great ideas you have for us. Thanks! I have a bridal shower coming up and I could use some of these ideas for wrapping prizes. Always fun on your blog!

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I think I lost my genius in posting comments or blogger just didn't care to have me write you. ;)That's the bowl and ice cream that you gave meeeee!! It was the best gift ever. Perfect and sweet. Just like you!I also ate it all in one sitting. Absolutely divine. :)